China refuses to mediate between Pakistan, India on Kashmir dispute

BEIJING: Just two days after an opinion in a Chinese daily suggested that China could play a role in mediating the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India, the country’s foreign minister said it will keep adhering to the policy of non-interference in the conflict, IANS reported on Thursday.

“China’s position on the issue of Kashmir is clear and consistent. It is an issue left over from history between India and Pakistan and shall be properly addressed by India and Pakistan through consultation and negotiation,” the foreign ministry was quoted as saying.

Chinese daily Global Times on Monday emphasised that China had a vested interest in resolving the elongated Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.

The column suggested that the Chinese experience in mediating between Myanmar and Bangladesh can result in better understanding of the disputes which might be helpful for other conflicts in South Asia.

However, the foreign ministry’s statement has rejected the stance presented in Global Times.

The statement said, “Building the CPEC does not affect China’s position on this issue. We sincerely hope that India and Pakistan will properly handle differences by increasing communication and dialogue, and jointly uphold regional peace and stability.”__Tribunr.com